The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on European Union (EU) countries to invest in Abuja’s agriculture and real estate sectors, highlighting vast opportunities and ongoing reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence.
Wike made the appeal during a meeting with envoys of EU member states at the EU House in Abuja, where he presented the FCT as a rapidly transforming, business-friendly capital with strong revenue growth and improving security.
Read also: Kano, NWDC to Harmonise Data for Rural Dev Projects
To Wike: It Is Wickedly Wicked to Convert Wuye’s Public Hospital into a Private Estate
According to the minister, the FCT has about 274,000 hectares of arable land, particularly across the area councils, making it a viable destination for large-scale agricultural investment. He added that the administration is developing access roads to farming communities to stimulate agricultural activities and attract investors.
“There are opportunities available in the housing sector for collaboration with investors in Abuja,” Wike said. “The demand for residential and commercial properties is very high, making real estate investment in the FCT highly attractive.”
He assured potential investors that the FCT Administration is committed to providing legal frameworks and safeguards to protect investments, noting that land would be made available through public-private partnerships.
Wike emphasized that the administration is not seeking aid but mutually beneficial partnerships. “We are not looking for philanthropy; we are looking for a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit,” he stated.
The minister also outlined key reforms in security, revenue generation and the judiciary, which he said have significantly improved the territory’s investment climate. He disclosed that the FCT’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has increased from N7 billion monthly in 2023 to about N40 billion in 2026, positioning it as the second-highest revenue-generating sub-national entity after Lagos.
Kugbo Bus Terminal Did Not Collapse, Windstorm Tore Off Roof-Wike
Read also: Minister Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Promises Relief for Nigerians
On infrastructure, Wike said development efforts have expanded beyond the city centre to satellite towns and rural communities, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that water projects in Karu, Orozo and Bwari are set for inauguration as part of activities marking the president’s third year in office.
The minister further revealed that the FCT is making progress in renewable energy, following agreements signed with Chinese firms in Beijing to provide alternative power solutions across Abuja, with completion expected before the end of the year.
Addressing security concerns, Wike said the administration has adopted a multi-layered strategy, including the deployment of specialized motorcycles for difficult terrains and the construction of roads in areas previously used as hideouts by criminals. He added that security agencies—including the police, military, and civil defence—are being integrated to enable real-time crime reporting and response.
He also disclosed plans to construct and equip two new police divisions, along with staff housing, in each of the six area councils to strengthen security presence at the grassroots level.
On judicial reforms, the minister said the FCT Administration has invested in housing for judges across various courts, including the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and FCT High Court. The facilities, located in Katampe, are expected to be inaugurated soon.
Wike commended President Tinubu for prioritizing merit in appointments, describing it as a departure from past practices influenced by ethnic and religious considerations.
Earlier, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, described the EU as Nigeria’s leading trade and investment partner. He noted that the engagement with the FCT Administration would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Read also: Kano Assembly Tackles Soaring House, Shop Rents
Mignot also acknowledged the rapid development of the FCT under Wike’s leadership, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to attract foreign direct investment and deepen international partnerships aimed at driving economic growth in Nigeria’s capital.